Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-08-25
A HOLIDAY.


task of packing her trunk for the jour
ney.
Genie was chief saleswoman in Brad
bury & Co.'S millinery emporium, and
during the rush of spring trade had
nearly worked herself to death. Hence
she asked for and was granted vaca-
ton.
Naturally she was as fresh and
dainty as one could wish, with blue
eyes dancing in mirth, and movements
as elastic and graceful as those of a
fawn.
But the city air and long hours in
the store, and monotony of feathers
and ribbons, and endless questionings
of merciless customers, had combined
to render Genie pale and listless.
Nor was this all. Herbert Bradbury,
the Junior member of the firm, had an
noyed her with unwelcome attentions.
He was harmless sort of a fellow,
with pale eyes and moustache, and
sentimental in speech and air.
'tThere is no sacrifice that | would
not make for thee, my star-eyed prin-
cess" he had declared, with ridicu-
lous attempt to look impressive, and
dramatic gesture which ought to have
made his fortune on the stage.
81 fear you have sacrificed your
common sense already, MIR. Brad
buryw Genie cuttingly retorted.
For this was about the tenth occa-
sion which he had marked by a similar
declaration. She was out of patience
disguised.
II would not have thought such gen
tie lips as yours" he reproachfully
began.
Bnt she sharply interrupted.
'tYou make me despise you, siri I've
told you again and again that | could
never love you, and never be your
wife! | wouldn't be so rude as to speak
to you like that if you had not goaded
me to it, But must say that | could
not accept attentions from such "a
simpleton! Therew
And she had run precipitately from
his presence, and going to the elder
Mr.. Bradbury, obtained leave of alb
sence for two months.
& had splendid time at Bessie's
two years ago." she unused, throwing
a dozen articles, helter-skelter, into
the small trunk, and closing the lid
with bang. at is so Jolly to romp
over a great farm. with nobody to care
whether you are dressed in calico or
silk, she went on in gleeful anticipa-
ton. John is such a delightful hus-
band to Bessie, and he likes to have
everybody have such splendid time.
[ wish ! could live in the country for
ever and ever.
Genie consulted railway time-ta-
BILE, and the noisy clock upon her dress
ing-table. A train would leave for
Ferndale in an hour. 1t was such
small station that no express trains
stopped there, and there would not be
another until the next day.
Il ought to send them word I'm COM
ing, | suppose" she reflected, hurried
ly making up her mind whether to
catch the train or not. But of course
it will make no difference. They're al
ways glad to see one; and Bessie's
pantry is running over with good
things the year round. I can't wait
now | have thought of going"
Genie hustled round again, sent for
cab, and was at the station in time
for the accommodation train for Fern
dale.
1twas long ride, and the day was
rather warm.
When the little station was reached,
Genie eagerly alighted, and drew
long refreshing draught of the pure
country air.
<'Tll send down for the trunk in the
morning." she said to the station-mas-
ter who was wheeling her baggage
along the platform on his truck.
who'll call for it?" he asked as she
FASTENED out upon the winding shady
road.
"John Caswell," she answered with
out looking back.
The man said something more, which
had she paused to catch his words,
might have greatly changed the tenor
of her after life.
4 can't stop to hear all that crusty
station-master has to humble about.
she said to herself.
1t was half mile up the quiet coun-
try road to the house Of John Caswell.
There were odorous pines and spruces
On either hand. and a shimmering
brook that gurgled in and out amidst
the underground, with violets upturn-
ing their tiny faces from the moist
brown soil.
Genie forgot how weary her limbs
became standing all day long in Brad
bury q Co.'s establishment
The tired nervous ache was banished
from her shoulders, and she seemed to
have actually grown roster and plump
er since alighting from the train.
She reached the long gravel walk
leading to the door of the Caswell
dwelling.
The house was of semi-modern con-
struction, and striking rather because
of its Enforcement amid vines and
evergreens, and the velvety lawn and
beds of flowers surrounding it, than
for the mere architecture of the build
ing.
Genie fairly ran along the walk;
but at the porch she paused.
How still it was! She tried the door
and it was locked. She rang the bell
snce, twice, with no answer.
Bessie has gone to spend the after
noon with neighbor," was her de-
cision. She will surely return to get